Course Summary

Description

The first year of this programme is spent with the Foundation Centre developing the skills and subject knowledge required for successful study at degree level. On successful completion of the Foundation Year, students progress to the first year of their degree programme.

Foundation Centre (Year 0)

The Foundation Year contains a number of compulsory and discipline-specific modules. Compulsory modules are designed to develop higher level learning skills and familiarise students with studying and assessment at degree level. Discipline-specific modules help lay a foundation of knowledge that students will build upon as they progress to their chosen degree programmes.

Years 1, 2 and 3

Course Detail

To find out more about the modules available to students studying at
Durham University please click here.

Please note:
Current modules are indicative. Information for future academic years
may change, for example, due to developments in the relevant academic
field, or in light of student feedback.

Course Learning and Teaching

This course is focussed on non-traditional and international students and the modes of teaching and learning are designed to provide and facilitate high quality teaching and learning in a supportive and productive environment which encourages self-awareness, reflective practice and cross-cultural awareness.

The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, tutorials/workshops and practical classes. Typically, lectures provide key information on a particular area and this is consolidated through tutorials and/or workshops and practical classes where appropriate, particularly for laboratory and IT skills. The course provides up to 18 contact hours per week, but further consolidation takes place through independent study and/or voluntary workshops provided outside the course’s formal contact hours. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence and classes are generally small, normally with 25 to 35 students to ensure individual needs can be met.

Students who require additional language and academic support are normally provided with an additional 4 hours of seminar/ tutorial contact time and opportunities to take part in additional small group and individual tutorials as appropriate beyond the formal contact hours.

Towards the end of the year, greater emphasis is placed on independent study, not just in preparation for classes and reading around the subjects, but also with students completing an individual project related to their future progression route.

Throughout the programme, all students also have access to an academic adviser who will provide them with academic support and guidance. Students will meet formally with their adviser two to three times a year. However, in addition, academic advisors and teaching staff are normally available to meet with students at certain times each week on a ‘drop-in’ basis.

Admissions Process

Subject requirements, level and grade

All students are requested to contact the Foundation Centre for an Information, Advice and Guidance discussion before applying.

We welcome applications from:

UK and EU students

Mature learners (over 21) with no formal qualifications*

Mature learners (over 21) with A-levels (or equivalents) which were obtained over three years ago

Young learners (under 21) with adverse circumstances which could not be mitigated by their academic provider (evidence will be required)

Young learners (18 to 21) who have not engaged in post-16 education

Learners with strong A-level (or equivalent) results in subjects that are not suitable for their chosen degree subject (Conversion students)

EU learners who have not had the opportunity in their home country to study qualifications suitable for direct entry to their chosen degree course at Durham University

Native English speakers (from UKBA approved countries)

Non-native English speakers with suitable IELTS (or University recognised equivalent).

*Some programmes require GCSE Maths at grade C.

Formal qualifications are not normally required for UK students. Evidence of academic qualifications is required for EU students. It is desirable for candidates to have achieved a C or greater in GCSE Maths (or equivalent). For a complete list of subject requirements visit www.durham.ac.uk/foundation.centre.

Scholarships and funding

Career Opportunities

Foundation Centre

Students successfully completing a Foundation Year course will progress directly to their chosen degree programme at Durham University. Our graduates enter a wide range of occupational areas both in the public and private sector, including science, teaching, business and finance. Durham has an excellent graduate employment record, and the skills acquired during study serve as a valuable preparation for life after university.

We have been expanding the range of progression routes to other Durham degrees for Foundation Year students and provide routes into all Durham University departments.

Open days and visits

Pre-application open day

Pre-application open days are the best way to discover all you need to know about Durham University. With representatives from all relevant academic and support service departments, and opportunities to explore college options, the open days provide our prospective undergraduates with the full experience of Durham University.

Discover Durham Tours

Discover Durham tours offer a brief introduction to the University. The tour begins at one of our undergraduate colleges, where you will receive an introductory talk from a member of college staff, followed by a tour of the college by current students.

Overseas Visit Schedule

Department Information

Foundation Centre

Overview

Realising potential and delivering higher education without barriers.

We offer specially tailored study programmes to prepare students for degree level study, specialising in helping mature learners return to education and preparing EU and international students who are unable to study to a sufficient level in their own country for direct entry. We can also support students who are changing between academic fields.

Our students come to us from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds; many have had a long break from formal education. We help students to realise the skills and personal qualities they each possess and apply these in developing the academic knowledge they will need as they progress through their studies.

Foundation Centre programmes are fully integrated with Durham University degree programmes, counting as Year 0 of a full undergraduate degree. Students will progress directly on to their degree at Durham once they have successfully completed their Foundation Year.